Day two of London Fashion Week marks the arrival of the real fashion big-wigs – Jasper Conran, Todd Lyn, John Rocha and K-mid fave ISSA London made appearances in the Courtyard Show Space, while off-site shows included Henry Holland, Holly Fulton and Moschino Cheap & Chic. It was disappointing that all those shows mysteriously left my name off the guest-list, however there was enough at the Vauxhall Fashion Scout to keep me going through the day.
Clements Ribeiro was the first show on the schedule for today, with the brand displaying two main looks for their SS13 season. Cotton sun-dresses were paired with manly jelly-sandals (90’s throwback or what?) and beaded canvas bags – very Jane Birkin (before THAT flight, obviously) – and checked sheath skirts clashed with collared shirts and bright jumpers. I’d never heard of this brand but I was pretty impressed with their collection, which was inspired by simple fifties tailoring and the colours of Rio de Janeiro.
Vauxhall Fashion Scout also played host to identical Dutch twin designers Spijkers en Spijkers, who showcased a collection inspired by 1920’s Art Deco patterns and tailoring. Day dresses featured colour blocking and tile-print styles, while evening numbers were an updated version of the classic Flapper Dress.
Melissa Dimantidi was the final show of the day for me – an airy palette and structured feather-light fabrics created a thoroughly fairylike feel for the collection. Tailoring was ultra-feminine – asymmetrical bodices and full skirts played on Dior’s ‘New Look’ – and the entire looks were complemented by structured blazers, soft up-do’s and plain black loafers.
Food today was provided by ITSU, SNOG and Vita Coco coconut water – I’m not convinced by the fat-burning properties of coconut water (unless it’s the pineapple & mango flavour) – but I was totally enamoured by Itsu’s ‘3 courses for £4.95’ deal, and I’ve found myself completely addicted to Edamame beans and raw salmon. Unfortunately, that’s the last show I could get my student-self into, so it’s presentations and exhibitions from here on out kids.
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